Gelman Library to house video collection on former D.C. mayor

Gelman Library is home to a new collection of video and audio interviews on former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry’s first mayoral campaign in 1978.

The collection includes 33 video interviews with people who worked on Barry’s campaign or covered the race as a member of the press.

At-large council member Anita Bonds officially launched the new collection at an event Monday at the John Wilson District Building, Bonds said in a statement.

“Memories of too many colleagues, friends and community leaders fade away without reference in modern times to the indelible impact they leave on our great city,” Bonds said in the statement. “The recollections of others who played a role in critical events in the evolution of home rule and the political history of the District of Columbia must not be lost.”

The collection is eventually expected to include more than 50 interviews, according to the statement.

Barry was elected mayor in 1978 and served for four consecutive terms. Barry would later be given the nickname “Mayor for Life” in the District for serving in that position for a total of 16 years in two separate stints.